Understanding county lines and how to protect your child

County lines is a type of criminal exploitation where gangs send a young person away from their local area to sell drugs. Gangs coordinate activity through dedicated mobile phones (burner phones) that they give to young people.

Gangs sometimes recruit young people via social media, for example by offering them the opportunity to earn money. They will let young people believe they belong in the gang. Young people may not understand exactly what’s happening.

Gangs give young people a phone, often known as a burner phone. They use this to contact the young person and set up deals.

A young person may make small deliveries at first, then tasks get bigger after that. They could receive gifts and drugs that put them in debt. Some may take health risks by hiding drugs in their body.

County lines can also be called ‘running a line’, ‘going OT’, ‘going out of town’, ‘going country’ or ‘going cunch’. PACE has some information on other slang words you might hear.

Having honest chats with your child can help them avoid exploitation. Help them learn to judge different situations – try discussing possible scenarios. Talk about what they could look out for and how they would handle it. For example, what would they do if someone they didn’t know tried to connect with them on social media and said they knew one of their other friends?

Talk to them about the risks of getting involved in selling drugs. Explain that it is a criminal activity and they could get in trouble with the law or get involved in gang violence.

If you’re worried that your child might be at risk, it’s a good idea to:

• know the early warning signs of child criminal exploitation
• speak to your child about changes in their behaviour and explain why you’re worried
• if they’re involved in something, consider how the situation might have happened
• show your child that you are keen to understand and help
• ask a trusted adult to have a chat with them

Read our advice on how to talk to your child about difficult topics.

If your child is carrying a knife, don’t assume they intended to use it. Gang members can sometimes encourage your child to carry a knife. Or it may be because they don’t feel safe.

Try to help your child find safe routes to friends’ houses. Speak to your child about the facts of knife crime and how they can look after themselves.

Worries about exploitation and gangs can be stressful. Talk to your child first to understand the situation and if you can help. This may be difficult for your child. They may feel they are protecting you by keeping quiet, especially if someone had threatened them. They might also worry about getting into trouble.

Let them know that there’s nothing they can say that will make you love them less. Reassure them that you can work through things together.

If your child is involved in county lines, there are organisations that can help them.

You might want to talk to your child’s school, your local children’s services or the police.

SafeCall

Helpline for families affected by a missing child, county lines and criminal exploitation.

Phone or text 116 000, any day from 9am to 11pm.

SafeCall website

Fearless (part of Crime Stoppers)

Young people can report crime anonymously.

Phone 0800 555 111 any time of day or night.

Report a crime on the Fearless website

Childline

Helpline for under 19 year olds in the UK.

Phone 0800 1111 any time day or night.

Email, webchat and BSL sign language chat are available through the website.

Childline website

The Mix

Advice and support for children and young people under 25.

Text THEMIX to 85258 for crisis support any time day or night.

The Mix website

Talk to Frank

Support and advice about drugs, alcohol and the law.

Phone 0300 123 6600 any time day or night.

Text 82111.

Talk to Frank website

Page last reviewed: February 2025
Next review due: February 2028